My favorites (Jennifer)

I decided to do a different kind of post today.  For most of us who "watch" what we are eating, there are some foods that are just must haves.  They are our staple foods.  Things that help us through this journey day by day. I thought it would be nice to share a few of the newer things that I have come across that I rely on.  For those of you on Medifast skip to the next paragraph or take notes for when you come off! 

First, breads can be tough.  They are full of carbs and some of them just are plain not good for us.  I have come across both Arnold Select Sandwich Thins (whole grain) for 100 calories for the whole "bun".  I use them for just about everything.  And when I dont use them I use the Bagel thins by Thomas'(110 calories per whole bagel).  I really enjoy the "everything" flavor for these.  Each choice contains 4-5 grams of fiber which is always a plus in my book.  I toast either one of these choices before eating them.

Next, I have found that I love whipped cream cheese.  Apparently you can have two whole tablespoons of it for 60 calories.  Right now I am using Philadelphia brand but I have also used the store brand and enjoy that as well.  Two TBSP is quite a bit of cream cheese for a bagel.  Sometimes I even toast up the Arnold Select thin and put it on there.  Yummm.  I dont ever feel unsatisfied when I eat this.

Next is a jelly I have come across.  I have never been the type to put jelly on my toast, unless there was a large amount of butter underneath it.  Things have changed.  I came across Polaner brand jelly.  It comes in a glass jar and while it is a little more pricey than some of the others out there it is totally worth it.  It is all natural, sweetened with only real fruit juice, AND has 3 grams of fiber and only 30 calories per tablespoon.  Sometimes I use this alone on a toasted bagel or sandwich thin or I use some whipped cream cheese with this on top.  I have tried the grape and seedless raspberry flavors and I like them both.  The raspberry is my favorite.  Sweet and not tart.  yummm. I now know what I will eat for breakfast tomorrow :)

Last is something I have discovered to satisfy my sweet tooth.  And boy do I have one.  It is a downfall for me.  I recognize it and do my best to manage it.  I came across the Jello brand puddings.  They are in the refrigerated section at the store in dairy.  I first tried the sugar free Milk Chocolate one because it has live cultures and contains fiber.  By now I am sure you get the point.  For me, fiber = good.  So I tried it and it was pretty good.  I like chocolate but I am not one of those women who must have it.  The next trip to the store I saw they have another sugar free one flavored Dulce de Leche.  It doesnt have fiber like the other but I gave it a whirl at 60 calories.  OH MY....this was just awesome.  It satisfied my sweet tooth and I actually thought it was good enough that I could eat that instead of an ice cream cone the next time the family goes for one.  Now...that says a lot in my book!  It had a candy/caramel like topping on top of the yummy pudding and it was truly to die for.

I would love to hear from you what your favorite must have foods are that help you along in your journey.  Please share!

Tomorrow I am attempting my first kickboxing class at the gym, and also a strength class of some sort.  I should probably find out what it is exactly before I show up.  haha. My friend and I got the guts up to give them a whirl.  The old Jen would have never attempted such a thing.  Wish me luck!

Have a great week!

Jennifer